Zhang Xiaoming, the newly-appointed director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR, made his first public speech concerning his new role and caught local media and the general public by surprise. It was unprecedented that a Liaison Office chief would seek to reject false notions and dispel apprehensions about the role of the office in an open, cordial and receptive manner.

Zhang arrived in Hong Kong about three weeks ago to take over from his predecessor Peng Qinghua. The former Beijing-based Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office deputy director publicly defined his new post and answered questions in a 20-minute exchange with the local press, before joining a youth forum on Thursday.

In a calm and composed manner, Zhang categorically brushed aside unfounded accusations that Beijing has been meddling in Hong Kong's internal affairs and stated squarely there is no such thing as Beijing is tightening or relaxing control on the SAR. This is the very first time the Liaison Office chief has categorically rejected ridiculous accusations such as "Sai Wan rules Hong Kong". He said that Sai Wan, where the Liaison Office is located, does not and will not rule Hong Kong.

As a favorite catch phrase of the opposition camp in political scaremongering, this obvious swing at the central government was heavily used to win popular support for opposition candidates in the 2012 Legislative Council election. The Liaison Office did not respond directly to such verbal attacks until Zhang spoke up on Thursday.

Zhang also made known the Liaison Office will do its best to perform the duties assigned by the central government. Again, he is the first Liaison Office chief to do so. And the primary duty of his office, Zhang added, is to reflect comprehensively, accurately and objectively to the central government the situation in Hong Kong. It will also implement Hong Kong policies of the central government faithfully.

Rome was not built in a day. Prejudices and mistrust toward the central government agency in the SAR cannot be cleared away overnight. But Zhang made a very welcome attempt in this uphill battle to win public understanding and public trust.

Zhang also reiterated the legitimacy and importance of legislation on national security, according to Article 23 of the Basic Law. He described it as "a constitutional duty" of the LegCo but left it to the SAR government to find the right time to hand the draft bill to the legislature.

Unlike his predecessor, the youngest ever director is straightforward but not blunt. He showed his proactive and approachable character with patience and good manners. Instead of delivering a lengthy stale speech on the socio-economic situation in the city, he opted to take action to integrate into the Hong Kong society and have personal experience of ordinary daily lives of the 7 million people. He paid a private visit to slums in Sham Shui Po and traveled on a crowded underground train.

It is encouraging to see the new Liaison Office director demonstrating a fresh outlook and open, responsive and cordial working style. After all, many people here felt the Liaison Office kept a low profile for too long and has been too reserved in the face of brazen attacks by opposition parties, allowing misunderstandings to foment along the way. Even worse, some people thought, the Liaison Office's silence was part of the reason the opposition camp has been able to turn many people against the central government. And they believe it is time the Liaison Office adjusted its public posture and did what should have been done a long time ago for the benefit of 7 million local residents.

In an open and cordial manner Zhang added that his job also includes making friends with people from all walks of life, including those who don't always see eye to eye with Beijing.

Unlike his predecessors, the 49-year-old well-groomed official is not a newcomer but an old hand with over 25 years experience in Hong Kong affairs. He was one of the well-versed young staffer at the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office under the State Council serving drafting of the Basic Law, transitional issues and implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".

Zhang described himself as a man of principle who enjoys friendly exchanges with people. He rejected allegations that he is a "hardliner", adding that time will prove them wrong. Many veteran journalists are familiar with his helpful and cordial working style back in Beijing.

The author is a veteran journalist and commentator on current affairs.

(HK Edition 01/12/2013 page3)